THE Chancellor, George Osborne, has announced £1 million in government support for the development of a new memorial to honour the United Kingdom’s Police service.

It will be built at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The announcement was made at a reception held on behalf of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust at Number 11 Downing Street, attended by business leaders, Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners.

Speaking at the event the Chancellor said: “The Police across the UK make huge sacrifices to protect us and some, tragically, pay the ultimate price. We must honour them, and this national arboretum Memorial is a powerful idea.

“We are using money raised from fines on those who have demonstrated the very worst of values in our financial services to support tributes to those who have demonstrated the very best value in our society.”

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, who was among the guests at the reception said: “I am delighted the Government is supporting this project.

“Officers who go out every day to protect the public now find themselves under threat as never before. It is important their courage and commitment is recognised and not taken for granted.”

Since 1749 and the creation of the Bow Street Runners as the world’s first recognised Police service, over 4,000 men and women have given their lives to serve and protect communities in the United Kingdom.

Losses in British Colonial and other UK administered forces overseas number as many as a further 1,000.

Sir Hugh Orde, outgoing President of the Association of Chief Police Officers and Chairman of the Trust, said: “We are indebted to the Chancellor for this generous donation. We aim to raise £5m to build and maintain this proper and fitting memorial to our fallen colleagues.

"This is particularly timely as police officers go about their duties protecting the public in challenging times.”